Transarterial embolization with bleomycin for symptomatic hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of transarterial embolization using bleomycin-iodinated oil and polyvinyl alcohol particles for the treatment of symptomatic hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH).

METHODS: This retrospective study included 23 consecutive patients with symptomatic hepatic FNH, who underwent embolization using bleomycin-iodinated oil and polyvinyl alcohol particles between January 2005 and December 2012. Patients were followed-up with radiologic and clinical evaluation. Therapeutic effects including changes in lesion size and symptomatic improvement were evaluated after the procedure.

RESULTS: Embolization was performed for 27 lesions in 23 patients. Follow-up period ranged from three months to 89 months. The mean lesion diameters decreased significantly from 5.0±2.4 cm to 3.2±1.5 cm at 3-9 months after embolization (P < 0.001). Five lesions had complete resolution in the follow-up period. The clinical symptoms were significantly relieved in all patients. Contrast-enhanced scans at follow-up showed complete lack of residual arterial blood supply in the majority of lesions. Local recurrence was found in one treated lesion at the 54-month follow-up. There were no major complications associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSION: Transarterial embolization using bleomycin-iodinated oil and polyvinyl alcohol particles for hepatic FNH is a safe and effective alternative treatment with good long-term symptomatic control and reduction in lesion size after embolization.